Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #108 - Cynthia Pelayo (IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND)

Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #109 - Eliza Jabore (BACKSTABBERS) June 2026

It’s not uncommon for authors to reference their personal history when seeking inspiration for their books. In her debut novel “Backstabbers” (2026), being published on June 2, 2026, by Bantam Books, author Eliza Jabore took that assignment very seriously! When we had the chance to talk with her recently about her forthcoming novel, we very nearly forgot to ask her any questions about her book because her personal story is just so fascinating!  Jabore made the brave decision at 17 to graduate early from high school, grab her backpack, and travel the world. It’s a choice that she told us changed her and helped her grow in ways that she will always treasure. It also taught her that the world can be frightening and dangerous. We were on the edge of our seats as she retold us a story about hiking to the top of a mountain and not realizing until halfway down that she’d lost her car keys! But we are nothing if not professional (sometimes) here at Macabre Daily, and we did get around to chatting about “Backstabbers,” which is an equally compelling tale. We talked about how her personal experiences inspired parts of the novel, her exploration of female friendships, and our fascination with true crime. We hope you’ll check out our interview below and be sure to keep “Backstabbers” at the top of your TBR pile as the weather warms up. It is the perfect Summer read for horror fans.  “Backstabbers” was released by Bantam Books on June 2, 2026. Click here [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/807589/backstabbers-by-eliza-jabore/] to purchase.  Follow Eliza Jabore here [https://www.instagram.com/elizajabore_theauthor/] to check out her current and future work.

Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #108 - Cynthia Pelayo (IT CAME FROM NEVERLAND)

Cynthia Pelayo is something of a magician, or maybe sorceress is a better term. She can take the most beloved story from our childhood, one that is immediately familiar, comforting, and beloved, and turn it into a nightmare factory right before your very eyes. The way in which she brilliantly subverts J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan” in the most delightfully dreadful ways is something to behold. What’s in store for the reader when they pick up “It Came From Neverland” is a bold and brave new take on the classic fairy tale that reveals the sinister truth behind Peter, the Lost Boys, and Neverland itself. You’ll never look at that green-clad imp the same again and have a newfound appreciation for the lengths Wendy Darling will go to for those she loves. Cynthia was kind enough to join the PAPER CUTS Podcast to discuss what inspired her fascinating new interpretation of the Barrie classic, the terror that can lurk behind the curtain of charisma, presenting Wendy as a traumatic heroine who feels real on every page, and her remarkable writing process. During our chat, we talked about some very real and timely issues, such as prioritizing your mental health, finding your people, and the inherent beauty of the horror community’s support. We know you’ll enjoy this chat just as much as we did, and walk away with “It Came From Neverland” at the top of your TBR! You can purchase “It Came From Neverland” here [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/803654/it-came-from-neverland-by-cynthia-pelayo/paperback/]. You can follow Cynthia Pelayo on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/cynthiapelayoauthor/]. Stay up to date by following Macabre Daily on Instagram, [https://www.instagram.com/macabredaily/]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MacabreDaily/], and BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/macabredaily.bsky.social]!

Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #107 with Guest Bill Wood (May 2026)

Bill Wood came onto our radar back in early 2025 when Scholastic reached out to us to cover “Let’s Split Up,” the first installment in what is now a trilogy of terror! That novel became one of our favorites that year, with its fantastic mash-up of Scooby-Doo hijinks mixed with some truly terrifying “Scream” vibes, and yes, the book was just as much fun to read as that description implies. Now Bill is back with the second installment in the series, “Be Right Back,” and it’s everything you want it to be and then some. The novel follows the tried-and-true formula for sequels: amp up the action, terror, and intrigue while losing none of the heart, humor, and horror of the first novel. Bill joined us again to talk about all things slashy. We get into the importance of maintaining the dynamic he built with his fantastic crew of misfits in the first novel, while expanding on their individual stories, all while ramping up the terror to a fever pitch that never lets up until the breathtaking climax. As always, Bill is a delight. We would have him back every day if he let us. Have a listen and enjoy this great chat. You can purchase “Be Right Back” here [https://www.billwood.co.uk/berightback]. You can follow Bill Wood on Instagram here. [https://www.instagram.com/billwoodauthor] Stay up to date by following Macabre Daily on Instagram, [https://www.instagram.com/macabredaily/]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MacabreDaily/], and BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/macabredaily.bsky.social]!

Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #106 - Stephanie Gagnon of "BOOKS IN THE FREEZER" (May 2026)

If you listen to horror literature podcasts, and damn you to seven Hells if you don’t, then you obviously know who Stephaine Gagnon is, and her amazing “Books in the Freezer” podcast. Week after week, Stephanie holds a master class in getting the best from her guests, who are among the most fascinating, funny, and creative people in the horror lit community. The episodes all have fantastic themes, such as “Louisiana Horror with Anna Dupre” and “Horror Adaptations with Courtney Summers,” and the vibe Stephanie brings to each recording is her true superpower. You’ve never felt more welcome or comfortable listening to these rockstars of horror talk gleefully about the scares we can't get enough of. Stephanie joined us so we could put the spotlight on her for a change and give her the credit she so richly deserves for giving her guests a platform to tell us about themselves, their craft, and the phenomenal literature they create. What Stephanie does to put books and authors on people’s radar is nothing short of spectacular, and she does it all with such effortless style and ease. We’re floored by how easy she makes all her hard work look. Be sure to have a listen to this great conversation, and do yourself a favor: immediately follow “Books in the Freezer” if you’re not already. You don’t want to miss out on one of the best horror hotspots out there. You can listen to “Books in the Freezer” on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0lFBmoXufBNHFiDj2LYZOj]and Apple Podcasts. [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-in-the-freezer-a-horror-fiction-podcast/id1299475001] You can follow Stephanie Gagnon on Instagram here. [https://www.instagram.com/booksinthefreezer/]

Macabre Daily's PAPER CUTS! Podcast #105 with Author Aimee Pokwatka (April 2026)

When we get word that a new Haunted House novel is on the horizon, we get a little anxious. Haunted Houses are our jam, but we may go a little overboard with anticipation and imagination. Unlike vampire, werewolf, and aquatic horror, when we finish a chapter in a Haunted House novel, turn out the light, and settle into bed, we’re essentially IN the novel. Every creak and groan becomes an ominous portent of doom. Pipes settling are 100% rattled chains in the attic. Don’t even get us started about the furnace kicking in. Let’s just say we’re lucky we had fresh underpants. There’s only so much rationalization you can do until you have to accept the fact that you’re going to be dragged kicking and screaming into the deepest recesses of Hell…and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Evoking that dread is the key to a great ghost story, and “Accumulation” by Aimee Pokwatka does so subtly at first, and then really finds its groove, dragging you straight into nightmare territory by its thrilling conclusion. Aimee joined us to talk about the essentials of a cracking good Haunted House story, the delight of creating an atmosphere steeped in dread, how domesticity is its own haunting, and so much more. Aimee is a newfound favorite, and “Accumulation” is one of the best Haunted House novels we’ve read since Mark Z. Danielewski’s “House of Leaves.” You’ll be both amused and amazed by this conversation with Aimee. She’s one of the nicest people we’ve ever had the pleasure of chatting with, and we’re still tickled that someone so genuinely nice can create such atmospheric terror, but boy howdy does she! You can purchase “Accumulation” here [http://www.aimeepokwatka.com/accumulation.html]. You can follow Aimee Pokwatka on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/aimeepokwatka/]. Stay up to date by following Macabre Daily on Instagram, [https://www.instagram.com/macabredaily/]Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MacabreDaily/], and BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/macabredaily.bsky.social]!